Current location:style >>
VOX POPULI: Shizuoka head’s sudden exit leaves question about his ‘talent’
style699People have gathered around
IntroductionMy image of the prototypical Japanese military officers who were born during the Meiji Era (1868-191 ...
My image of the prototypical Japanese military officers who were born during the Meiji Era (1868-1912) is that of taciturn men who lead others with their appearances seen from behind.
However, Isoroku Yamamoto (1884-1943), the commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II, once asserted that, “You cannot get people to do what you want unless you show them how to do it, tell them specifically why you want them to do it, let them try it by themselves and then praise them.”
This is a fine message to bear in mind when welcoming this year’s new workers. Yamamoto was born on April 4 exactly 140 years ago.
In contrast, Shuzuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu’s recent speech was anything but fine, even though he insisted that if people read his entire speech, they would realize they’d misunderstood his intent.
“Do not be a sycophant, do not throw your weight around your juniors and do not abandon people who are going through a rough patch,” he has said, and I certainly agree with him.
But Kawakatsu definitely crossed the line when he insulted produce farmers, cattle farmers and factory workers by rating them as “less intelligent” than prefectural officials.
“I am sincerely sorry,” he apologized at a news conference on April 3.
But then he said he had no intention of retracting his remarks. Completely devoid of weight, his words just floated aimlessly in the air.
One thing I don’t understand is that he cited the magnetic levitation (maglev) high-speed train project as the main reason for his decision to resign as governor.
The Shizuoka prefectural government has not approved the maglev line’s tunnel construction work within its jurisdiction.
And on March 29, Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) announced its new Shinkansen line would not begin operating in 2027 as planned.
This, according to Kawakatsu, indicated that the project had reached the “end of one phase.”
But what has that got to do with his stepping down as governor? Simply put, why he is quitting remains unexplained.
Yamamoto wrote, “Men of middling talent are propped up by their professional status, men of great talent don’t let their status get in their way and men of little talent tarnish their status.”
Kawakatsu was an economist when his political acumen was recognized 15 years ago and he became a local administrator.
And now, he is simply exiting the stage in a rather abrupt manner. What is the size of his talent? Great, middling or small?
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 4
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Culture Clutch news portal”。http://unitedkingdom.spaceforanything.com/article-47e199945.html
Related articles
Brazil's soccer federation suspends matches because of flooding
stylePORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) — Brazil’s soccer federation has suspended matches involving three top-tie ...
【style】
Read moreUN appeals for $2.8 billion to help 3 million Palestinians in desperate need of food and other aid
styleUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations appealed for $2.8 billion on Tuesday to provide desperately ...
【style】
Read moreAmed Rosario's RBI infield single in the 13th inning lifts the Rays to a 7
styleST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Amed Rosario drove in the winning run with an infield single and the Tam ...
【style】
Read more
Popular articles
- Kylie Jenner wears bullet
- US navy flies aircraft through the Taiwan Strait a day after US
- José Ramírez gets key hit to help the Guardians beat the Red Sox 10
- UN appeals for $2.8 billion to help 3 million Palestinians in desperate need of food and other aid
- Preakness status of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan remains unclear
- Lululemon partners with Team Canada after Nike was called out for Team USA kits ahead of Paris 2024
Latest articles
'China is behind this': MPs lash out at Beijing over cyber
Watch What Happens Live: Kristen Doute says The Valley co
Russia begins withdrawing peacekeeping forces from Karabakh, now under full Azerbaijan control
Diddy takes a call at his Miami mansion
House prices flat in April says Halifax, but buyers seek cheaper homes due to rising mortgage rates
Russia begins withdrawing peacekeeping forces from Karabakh, now under full Azerbaijan control
LINKS
- Kaimanawa wild horses: Group re
- Mediaworks data breach: Hackers email victims, demanding $820
- Coronavirus: People with blood type A 'more vulnerable' to COVID
- Coronavirus toll reaches 490 in China
- Department of Conservation set to lose scientific expertise in job cuts
- Australian foreign aid worker among five killed in Israel airstrike on Gaza
- Tarata Road gravel fix plan raises ire of small Taranaki community
- Beauty industry experts pushing for more regulation amid rise in serious injuries
- Department of Conservation set to lose scientific expertise in job cuts
- Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to step down in shakeup amid safety crisis